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Formica was originally developed as an industrial material, but by the mid-20th century it had found its way into American homes, where its colorful surface, durability and easy-clean characteristics made it desirable for tabletops in busy households. Interestingly, the name was derived from the material it was designed to replace -- "for mica" -- and has nothing to do with the scientific name for certain types of ants, which are also known as "Formica."

History of Formica

Formica was first developed in 1913 to replace the mica mineral used in electrical insulators. The first Formica was made from fabric and resin, but later formulations used thick paper layers laminated with melamine. This development was tougher and more durable, making the new material a key component of car parts, propellers and industrial components needed during World War II. As the war effort subsided, Formica found its way into domestic uses. The paper backing could be printed with vibrant colors and patterns, offering an unprecedented opportunity for designers of home and commercial furnishings. Formica tables and countertops became a key part of the colorful design revolution ushered in by the 1950s era of post-war abundance.

1950s Tabletop Colors and Patterns

Formica's 1950s color palette included neutral shades of white, gray, tan and charcoal, along with subtle pastels such as pink, blue and primrose yellow. However, the bolder hues, such as coral, lipstick red, aqua and "Gulfstream" -- a deep teal green -- are perhaps the best-known; these colors have come to represent the essence of 1950s style. While Formica was available in solid colors of all hues, it also appeared in array of textures and patterns that typify the era. Realistically patterned wood grains, marble and pearl textures showed up in both natural hues and in the bolder end of the color palette. Geometric prints also had their place. "Capri" was a mosaic design of polygons in varying shades of a hue. The most famous Formica pattern, known as "Skylark" in its day, consisted of rounded-edge, line-drawn shapes in various colors overlapping each other on a solid background. These shapes resembled the outline of a boomerang; hence, the design became known as the "boomerang" pattern, and it remains one of the strongest associations with the Formica line of tabletops.

Vintage Tabletops and Dinettes

Formica tabletops were used for end tables and coffee tables, but the best-known application was the emblematic kitchen and dining table with a chrome base and legs. Accompanied by chairs with seats and backs upholstered in matching vinyl, they were known as "dinettes." The tables often had drop-down or insertable leaves to adjust the size, and some had a push-button mechanism to raise or lower and store the leaf beneath the table. Because many of the original patterns have been discontinued, vintage Formica tables in good condition are a prized find among retro enthusiasts and antiques' lovers.

Decorating With a 1950s Table or Dinette

Whether your Formica table is authentic 1950s, reproduction or restored, it can inspire exciting looks in your home. The bolder colors of Formica were not shy, so punch them up even more by setting them against complementary colors. For example, a red table or dinette is zingy against a jade or teal green background. Yellow table and chairs vibrate against red-violet or navy blue, as does a turquoise dinette against orange. Another approach is to play the bright Formica colors against crisp black and white. For example, you can recall the soda shops of yesterday by setting a red dinette on a black-and-white checked floor in a white kitchen with red accents. If your table lacks matching chairs, you can still create an eclectic, farmhouse kitchen look by setting mismatched chairs around it.

About the Author

Jan Burch has written about home, garden, wellness and other topics since 1992. Her articles have appeared in ByLine, Living Natural and New Mexico Woman. Based in Albuquerque, Burch is a Feng Shui consultant and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner. A life-long crafting enthusiast, she holds a master's degree from the University of California.